July 1955 School Magazine

July, 1955

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

July, 1955

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

AN HISTORIC CHURCH. In the heart of Canberra stands a picturesque little stone church surrounded by tall pines, beneath which are mellow old tombstones. On most days, k:rscinated tourists are seen strolling quietly through the peaceful grounds, reading inscrip- tions on the old graves and admiring the church itself. This church, St. John's Church of England, abounds in history and beauty. When it was built, Canberra did not exist, and it was the centre around which grew the small and scattered village of Canberry, destined to become the Capital City of Australia. St. John's was built in 1841 by Robert Campbell, of Dun- troon. The materials of the building were almost entirely local. The bluestone and sandstone of which it mainly con- sists came from the hills nearby. The interior fittings are cedar and the roof is shingled. Set inside the church doorway is a stone from a church in Warwickshire, England, which dates from 1215. A stone from Wesminster Abbey has also been promised to St. John's. The grounds are entered by either the East or West Lych- gate. An avenue of pines leads from the West Lychgate to the front of the church. Nearby stands a sundial which was erected in 1804 and which originally stood in the garden of Robert Campbell's former home in Camden. One of the oldest graves is the Webb grave, which dates from 1845. This grave has earned renown because of its "Prophetic Tombstone" on which is inscribed :- "Here we have no continuing city but seek one to come." Inside the church are many reminders of its historic back- ground. In addition to the many memorials to prominent mem- bers of pioneering families there are many other objects of historical interest. ·These include a tapestry picture two hun- dred years old, the Altar rail from the church where Lord Nelson's father was vicar, a crucifix belonging to a Belgian girl killed in the 1914-18 war and prayer desks which are a thank-offering from Sir William and Lady McKell. The win- dows in the vestry are made from pieces of old stained glass collected on the Somme battle-fields by the Rector of St. John's. In the tower is a pew on which is carved, "A Knox LLB." This was the work of a boy of fifteen, who later became Sir Adrian Knox, Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia. At the back of the church is a gallery which originally was used to seat convicts, who were not permitted to sit . with the other members of ·the congregation. A steep stone staircase leads up to this gallery from the porch. From the gallery, the interior of the church may be viewed. Although dimly lit, the ~~:

-ALEXA TABKE, VI..

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